Museum of the History of Catalonia, Barcelona, Bezoekersgids & wat te doen in de buurt

The Museum of the History of Catalonia (MHC) is a national history museum in Barcelona, housed in the old Palau de Mar warehouse on the Port Vell waterfront. It tells the story of Catalonia from prehistory to the modern era through objects, documents, reconstructions and audiovisual displays, and it makes a good first stop for anyone who wants context for the city and the region.

The story behind it

The museum was created in 1996 by the Government of the Generalitat de Catalunya. Its central purpose is to narrate the history of Catalonia to visitors in an approachable way, using related objects and documents, historical recreations and audiovisual and computer displays, so that people become curious about how Catalan culture developed.

The building has a history of its own. The Palau de Mar began as a commercial warehouse on the harbour in the late 19th century, in the days when goods moved through Barcelona's port, and it was later converted to house the museum. Beyond its galleries, the museum also helps look after monuments owned by the Government of Catalonia, working to improve their upkeep, visitor access and cultural outreach, and it supports people and institutions engaged in historical research.

What to look for

• The solid brick and iron structure of the former warehouse, a reminder that this was a working harbour building long before it became a museum.
• The reconstructed scenes and settings in the permanent exhibition, which are designed to let you experience the past rather than only read about it.
• The audiovisual and interactive stations, which explain how Catalan society, politics and culture changed over the centuries.
• The views over the Port Vell, the marina and the Barceloneta district, which you can enjoy from the terrace side of the building.

Tips for your visit

• Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours if you want to see the permanent exhibition properly, and more if you add a temporary exhibition or a stop on the terrace.
• Check current opening hours and whether any free-entry times apply before you go, as these can change.
• Visit on a hot or rainy day when you want a break from the street, since the museum is a comfortable indoor stop.
• The Port Vell promenade, Barceloneta and the foot of La Rambla are all within a short walk, so it combines easily with a stroll along the waterfront.

See it on a quest

Rescue in Barcelona passes the Museum of the History of Catalonia. You reach it on foot as one stop of a longer route through the area, the app tells you about the place as you arrive, and you solve a puzzle in what is in front of you. One ticket covers the whole group, and you can start whenever suits you, with no guide and no set departure time.